Franklin Park Zoo Welcomes Endangered Pygmy Hippo Calf “Nefe”

Boston, MA — A new baby pygmy hippopotamus has been born at Franklin Park Zoo, bringing excitement to animal lovers and conservationists alike. The calf, named Nefertiti and known as “Nefe,” arrived earlier this week as the second offspring of Cleopatra, one of the zoo’s most popular residents.

Weighing just under 14 pounds, the newborn is already doing well. Caretakers report that she is active, nursing regularly, and staying close to her mother. Cleopatra has shown strong maternal instincts, carefully watching over her baby and ensuring she is safe and comfortable.

Cleopatra has played an important role at the zoo for many years. In 2020, she gave birth to Ptolemy, the first pygmy hippo ever born at the facility. That milestone made headlines at the time, and now the birth of Nefe continues that success story.

Known for her relaxed behavior and striking appearance, Cleopatra has always been a favorite among visitors. She is often seen enjoying the water or feeding on vegetation in the Tropical Forest exhibit, where she spends most of her time.

To protect animals like Cleopatra, the zoo has strict rules about sharing pregnancy information. Pygmy hippos are naturally private and can be easily stressed by outside attention. Because of this, staff members keep pregnancies confidential until the baby is safely delivered and healthy.

However, news of the birth spread unexpectedly after a photo of the newborn was shared among a small group of people. The image quickly reached a wider audience, sparking interest before any official announcement was made.

Zoo representatives have acknowledged the situation but have chosen to wait before providing full details. They emphasized that the focus remains on the health and safety of both mother and calf during this early stage.

The arrival of Nefe is especially meaningful due to the endangered status of pygmy hippos. In the wild, these animals are found in parts of West Africa, where their population continues to decline. Experts estimate that fewer than 2,500 remain in their natural habitat.

Pygmy hippos differ significantly from their larger relatives. They are smaller in size, have a more compact build, and possess unique features such as webbed feet and a protective skin secretion that acts like a natural sunscreen.

Conservation programs play a critical role in protecting these animals. Nefe’s birth contributes to the Species Survival Plan managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which focuses on maintaining genetic diversity and supporting long-term population health.

With this new addition, Franklin Park Zoo now has its largest pygmy hippo family to date. Nefe joins her parents, Cleopatra and Inocencio, along with her older brother Ptolemy.

For now, visitors will need to wait before seeing the newborn in person. Zoo staff are planning a public debut in early April, giving Nefe time to grow stronger and adjust to her environment.

Until then, she will remain in a private area with her mother, where they can bond without interruption. Meanwhile, the rest of the hippo family will continue to be visible in their regular exhibit.

Nefe’s arrival is not only a joyful moment for the zoo but also an important step forward in global conservation efforts. Soon, she is expected to become a favorite among visitors and a symbol of hope for her species.